Copyblogger
Copyblogger, which started back in January of 2006, is a wealth of information useful to any marketer or content creator. If you’re not reading it, you’re missing out on a tool that should be in the arsenal of anyone who writes content online. They cover virtually everything you might want to know about blogging and writing online copy, including how to use Twitter more effectively, overcome writer’s block, and use your content to get new customers.
Still not convinced? Then check out the eighteen articles we’ve covered here, as just a small taste of what Copyblogger has to offer.
1. Learn the Habits Standing in the Way of Your Creativity and Success
In the article 8 Bad Habits that Crush Your Creativity and Stifle Your Success, Dean Rieck discusses some of the most common things that people do that prevent them from reaching their creative potential, and stop them from being successful. It’s broken down into list form, with in-depth information about each habit, as well as simple steps you can take to break those bad habits.
…even if you’re no smarter than most people, you still have the potential to wield amazing creative powers. So why are so few people highly creative? Because there are bad habits people learn as they grow up which crush the creative pathways in the brain. And like all bad habits, they can be broken if you are willing to work at it.
As you can see from the quote above, the information in the article can be applied by almost anyone, whether you consider yourself “creative ” or not.
2. Create Winning Openings for Your Blog Posts
In 5 Simple Ways to Open Your Blog Post with a Bang, Brian Clark shows us five great ways to open a blog post that will grab the attention of your readers. The five methods described here can be implemented on virtually any kind of copy, regardless of what its intention is.
A great headline mixed with a lame opening is like inviting someone into your house, only to slam the door in their face as they approach.
This post will make sure that your opening paragraph ushers your visitors into the rest of the copy, rather than slamming that door.
3. Learn to Stop Being Invisible
How to Beat “Invisible Content Syndrome” will teach you how to make sure your content gets seen, rather than just languishing on your site for weeks or months with few readers. It’s filled with practical advice on how to get traffic, specifically tailored to blogs.
Invisible Content Syndrome is an equal-opportunity menace. It doesn’t just hit lazy people, or people who don’t care about good content. In fact, every blog starts out this way. But some grow out of it quickly, while others get stuck there. And being stuck with Invisible Content Syndrome is amazingly frustrating. So let’s get you out.
Invisible content can hit any blog, with little regard for who the blogger is or what they’re writing about. This article gives concrete advice, like being useful and a good friend, that can help you overcome invisible content.
4. Set Your Social Media Efforts On Fire
Why sit back and wait for your content to go viral? It’s a risky strategy and often results in no visitors and no views. Instead, try the techniques in Fanning the Social Media Flame for Viral Exposure. Don’t leave the viral potential of your content up to chance.
What is more common is that marketers need to fan their content to help it ignite and go viral. And sometimes that means stepping in when an accidental hit shows signs of life. How do you recognize those signs to take advantage?
The rest of the article goes on to tell you some specific ways to foster the spark a piece of content might have, to get it even more attention. And it’s all backed up with real-world examples.
5. Learn Better Information Architecture Through Helpful Analogies
We’re all familiar with window shopping, but rarely do we think of it in terms of online marketing. In her article, Does Your Site Hold Up to the Window Shopping Test? Pamela Wilson explores the concept of window shopping and how it relates to website design and information architecture.
Online businesses have window displays too – or at least a good counterpart. If you’re doing business online, you may be surprised to know that your window display could be making promises that your store doesn’t deliver on.
We’ve all had the experience of seeing a beautiful window display and then being disappointed upon walking into the actual store. Don’t make the same mistake on your website that a lot of brick-and-mortar stores make; make sure your entire website meets the expectations set by your “window display.”
Hence we think, Copyblogger is a must-read.